Issue 17: At the Core of It
Mary showed me this. Through Nola’s mirror. A weight has been lifted. But in its place? How many women bore the corruption of that madness? Carrying the poison of The Mother of Lies? Chronos as the father was horrid enough.—The Morrigan
My people follow the mandates of Heaven. We must see this Convergence to its end. Beyond that? The promise of a bountiful future.—Nola
This was never recorded in the Starlight Volumes. While recording what I could? The Highest would direct my thoughts towards what was needed. As I approach the twilight of my existence I find my heart is more at peace than it has been in ages. Death is only the beginning. What lies beyond that wall is more than any could imagine. My words are a dim light within a universe of brilliance.—From the Journal of Eliza Murphy
It was all smoke and mirrors. I only knew a fraction of the picture at the time of my death. I was more than a weapon to throw at Unity. I was the domino that felled its house of cards.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 23rd century
The Jupiter Rising
Hidden Room of the Arcane
T-Minus 10 Days
Lorain asked, “Mom. Why have them at this Arcane prison sphere!? The sword alone is bad enough!”
She shot the Morrigan an apologetic glance.
The red-haired woman bowed her head, “I am just glad that this Order allowed Nola to know….” Her throat tightened.
Mary made a chopping motion. Bringing up the live feed from Bel’s cell. It wasn’t based on any Terran Alliance tech. This was pure magic. The feedback loop running through the Iron Line. Intersecting through the true Golden City. Only a handful of the Order’s agents could access each Sphere. Operational security that was older than the combined history of Earth. Humanity hadn’t started on that planet. They had merely arrived there at the behest of the Highest. Traveling on roads most didn’t know existed.
The Golden City. A mystery wrapped in many layers. At the heart of it was her daughter.
Eliza played a role yet it was Lorain who engineered and directed a vital linchpin.
That journal had revealed much more than her daughter realized.
Arthur said, “If this room was made by human magic users how did it end up on a pre-dominantly Typherian designed vessel?”
Mary pulled out the leather-bound book. “This. In Lorain’s writing.”
The Intez within added, “I will fill you in when we are ready to act Arthur. This particular conspiracy is far older than most realize. Since our people walked with yours within the great starways of the Weave. The Intez fled the origin of Rykah. To the shining arms of Humanity.”
Arthur pulled off his helm, “Through the Arcways?!”
His Intez replied, “Through the Dreaming itself. The Arcane planted the Arcways behind them. At the commandments of Noah. The great Navigator of humanity.”
Lorain shuddered, “Things were simpler before…”
Morrigan reached out to pat Lorain’s forearm, “When you were just demis. Saving the world from mutated Living Stone and space dinosaurs.”
Lorain leaned back. Watching the symbols on the ceiling shift.
She blurted out, “Just how much of this was planned?”
Mary answered. Her tone was candid, “Since the beginning.”
*****
Bel flowed back into the Sword. The wards didn’t stop her. Nothing could. She couldn’t stand the images flashing through Mordred’s mind about that woman. The levels of debauchery were enough to perturb even her remnants of a soul. A new icon flashed within the dark expanse.
Do you wish for a new body?
Bel said, “No. Mordred must be cast from mine.”
It pulsed softly. A jade-green thread wrapped around her eyes, throat, and heart.
“Granted.”
The word poured into her. Buring every corner.
She found herself back on the bed. Her body was energized. Ren cackled, “Excellent. He is back home now.” The mummy’s fingers traced along the barrier. She blew Bel a kiss. “I will take such good care of my boy.”
Bel turned towards the wall. She replied, “I saw enough of your care.”
Ren said, “I could give you such pleasures.”
The room shifted. Weightlessness overcame her.
*****
Mordred jerked his head to the side. A White Owl hopped onto his chest. “Ahhh! Unity has other plans for you and your dear mother.” Black scrawl flowed over his body. It was his. The old scars on his chest reminded him. He couldn’t move. His eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. He was in a sarcophagus. Yet the words were not quite the Egyptian he was familiar with.
One owl dropped a black rose on his chest.
He shuddered.
This place was his mother’s.
The synapses in his brain linked with the coffin. One message flashed. In her neat handwriting.
Welcome home. I am sure my friends will take wonderful care of you.
Another message followed.
Lifesigns registered. Beginning revival process.
Slots opened and gray tubing latched onto his naked body. Forcing nutrients into his system. Spots danced before his eyes. His heart thudded erratically.
Each movement was pure agony.
Eternal Earth Empire
Egypt
Pathway of Rulers
Ta’rammon paced. The Known Golden Tiger of Earth. His rule was everlasting.
Thanks to his Typherian allies.
J’anu Urraden picked up a piece of fallen stone. This was merely a cover.
Slaves would bring the “dead” here for containment. She said, “Wonder what kind of surprise Ren put into this lovely tomb!” She watched as the outer symbols changed. It would be another 20 minutes before the subject revived properly.
Ta’rammon grunted, “Knowing her? It’s probably some pleasure unit.”
A guard approached. Wearing a simple white and gold skirt. The golden armbands on each bicep marked him as a common ground trooper. He kelt. Avoiding eye contact. “Your lord father requests your presence on the Summit of Suns.”
J’anu tapped a device in her wrist and she disappeared in a flash of golden light.
The guard remained motionless. Waiting for his king to give the command.
Ta’rammon spoke, “Rise. Go fetch me some wine. This wretch will regret waking here.”
*****
Ta’karr Urraden peered down at his daughter’s tousled head. A rare beauty. Platinum blonde. It was unfortunate she had to rut about with that Human but it kept the savage in line. Their magic was useful. He motioned towards the remaining seat. She rose at his mental prodding.
J’anu asked, >>What of our ongoing battle plans. Do you need more human’s to bolster the magical gateways?<<
Ta’karr reached out to grab a goblet of white wine. >>Not yet. There has been a change of Management at Tarkanan. It would appear our Brother House has been disposed of.<<
J’anu took a swig from the remaining red wine bottle. She kicked her feet up on the table. It was just the two of them. Had this been a proper House meeting she would have made a proper show of it. Her father smirked, >>If he cannot hold his realm then he is not Urraden proper. I hear this Thoth is.<<
Another figure entered. Her black raven hair was at odds with the deep purple. She waited until both Urradens noticed her. Ta’kan said, “Ah! Morgana. What news from the Primary source?”
They suspected it of being the mythical Eden.
They would not fail Unity. Unlike most of his people, Ta’karr didn’t want the big chair. Just some of the spoils. Eating more than you could consume would lead to an early grave. He planned on living through the apocalypse. His daughter at his side. She had always been his favorite. He was feeling generous. She could even bring her human plaything. J’anu’s crimson eyes locked onto her father.
Her mental voice was soft, >>Why thank you, father. Ta’rammon has grown on me. I will give you a proper Typherian heir of course. Just tell me which will be the most suitable sample.<<
Ta’tarr winked, >>There is some old stock that would be perfect. But you have many viable child years left. It is not yet time to bring forth the next generation.<<
J’anu’s muscles relaxed. She knew her duty but it was ever so much fun to be with someone who couldn’t get her with a child. Ta’rammon had plenty of bastards yet his fire was only for her. As it should be. She watched as the human sorceress brought out a dark mirror. The edges flecked with gold and green leaves.
“The All-Father of Tarkanan lives. The Knight is still in play.”
J’anu raised her bottle, “Glorious! No wonder Ren wants to stay in that strange prison. If she can find our wayward Ta’mathon! All the better!” J’anu still recalled that bright wicked light that had sucked the boy from their grasp. He would have been an excellent conduit to the magic of this world. It had worn strange armor as well. The sight had nearly struck J’anu blind. It had taken weeks of rejuvenation in the coffins of the Golden Throne. For the attack had been magic in nature.
That was the real reason she loved the Golden Lion of Egypt. He could protect her from the magic of the enemy. A woman always had to have a way out. Her mother was entombed into the deepest Typherian prison. The audacity of trying to betray father. J’anu reclined. “Any news on tracking down an Icath?”
Morgana replied, “Not as of yet. They favor the Primary Source. They linger in many places. If you would convince your Lion to part with a tablet of seeking. It might be enough to bring one to the Prime Golden conduit.”
J’anu said, “Excellent. I am sure I can get that from him. He adores me.” She wouldn’t mention the Golden City by name. It would enrage Ta’rammon. He saw his planet as the premiere axis of magic in all of Egypt. She stretched once more. “Time to see which unfortunate soul came through via Ren’s machinations.”
Morgana bowed, “Shall I come with you?”
Ta’tarr commanded, “Do so. Keep my daughter safe.”
Morgana twitched as the nanites sent a warning through her nervous system.
“As you command Scion of House Urraden.”
None knew the face of the King of Typha. It was forbidden.
Morgana knew the only way she could survive Unity’s wrath was to offer juicer prizes.
All was negotiable. She didn’t want to end up in Set’s position.
*****
Mordred watched helplessly as two copper-skinned men pulled him from the sarcophagus. Their bulky bodies were more than a match for him in this state. The man before him was the spitting image of Thomas Murphy. Except his dark beard trailed to his waist. Mordred croaked out, “So is this where that bitch lives?”
The man with the golden tiger cape peered down at him, “AH! So Ren did have children. Fancy that. Shriveled as she is in her actual form. Must have used someone else’s womb though. A pity we can’t ask that pet she had.”
He motioned to his chest, “Had a nice rack though.”
Mordred examined the twin swords around the man’s waist.
He linked to the part of himself that was Chronos.
His eyes went pure black.
The tip of a blade nicked his skin. Just above the jugular.
*****
J’anu smacked Mordred across the face, “None of that now boy. Chronos has a treaty with us.” Mordred glared. The black receded.
Murphy’s lips pulled back into a mock smile. Tracking a shallow cut across Mordred’s chest. “How rude of you.”
Mordred bowed his head to hide his shock.
A place where Ayeer never happened?!
J’anu jerked Mordred’s head back. Using his longer hair as leverage while Murphy poured some black liquid down his throat. He attempted to spit but the big man’s hands clamped over Mordred’s mouth.
Everything burned.
Nanites were flooding his system. These weren’t like the ones on the Earth he knew. Those would connect people to INet and other services. Healing. Emergency conduits. These buggers? These tied them to the people before him.
Slave Designate 249. Property of Renenutet.
Human DNA detected. Keeper Blood Line Chronos.
Paternal Human Line Detected. Maternal Human Line Detected.
Mordred screamed. The Message continued.
Ta’mathon of the Stepps. Renenutet of the Golden Spire.
J’anu shared a look with Thomas Murphy. He pulled Mordred up.
“We have a little fish. Wonder when Ren found our dear missing Ta’mathon.”
One of the guards exclaimed, “My Lord King Ta’rammon! The slaves in the Northern sector are rebelling!”
Mordred stilled. He could yet escape.
He pretended to faint. Let them think the worst.
He heard Ta’rammon reply, “Ready our troops. The Red Dawn rises.”
Issue 16: Here
Issue 18: Here
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